The family of a 55-year-old motorcyclist killed in a hit-and-run crash near Elsa is preparing to lay him to rest while still waiting for answers about who left him to die on the side of the road.

Elias Cruz will be buried on Thursday. His niece, Kelsey Cruz, spoke exclusively with Channel 5 News about who he was.

Kelsey described Cruz as a second father figure to the family, always showing up when people needed him most.

"I just remember him being there for us a lot, whether it being a second father to us, coming and holding our hand when we needed him, showing up when a lot of us really needed him the most," Kelsey said.

When the family visited, Cruz would take the kids wherever they wanted to go — the beach, the water park, anywhere that made them happy. 

"He had a tradition of when it was somebody's birthday, the kids especially, he would bring a piñata full of candy," Kelsey said.

Cruz was identified as the driver of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle that was rear-ended by a Dodge Durango shortly before 5 a.m. on FM 88 south of Mile 20 in Hidalgo County on Aug. 20. He was heading to work when the crash happened.

Cruz died after he was hospitalized, and the Dodge Durango was found abandoned about a mile from the crash scene.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: DPS searching for driver in deadly hit-and-run motorcycle crash near Elsa

Motorcycles were a big part of Cruz’s life, and his family says his Harley was his pride and joy.

"That thing was his child; he absolutely loved it. He didn't allow anybody to touch it,” Kelsey said. "That was something he enjoyed. He enjoyed being a part of a motorcycle community, he met a lot of people, a lot of friends."

DPS said the case remains under investigation and is asking anyone with information on the driver to make a report.

Kelsey had a message for the person behind the wheel.

"What was going on? Why didn't you see? Why didn't you stop? He could've still been here today," Kelsey said. "Provide our family with the answers we need, the closure that we need. You'd want to have that closure for yourself."

The family also asked the motorcycle community Cruz loved to join them Thursday for his final ride.

The family wants Cruz remembered for more than how he died.

"We don't want him to be remembered just as the motorcyclist that was killed in a hit and run. We want him to be remembered for all the greatness that he brought, all of the memories that he brought upon everybody, the love he shared," Kelsey said. 

The Texas Department of Public Safety is urging anyone with information about the driver of the Dodge Durango to call 956-565-7600.

Watch the video above for the full story.